> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.colacloud.us/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# ChatGPT Plugin

> Connect ChatGPT to COLA Cloud through the published ChatGPT Plugin Directory listing.

## Current Support

COLA Cloud is published as an app-only ChatGPT plugin:

<Card title="Open COLA Cloud in ChatGPT" icon="message" href="https://chatgpt.com/apps/cola-cloud/asdk_app_6a1a5221c3c8819193bf4a7a9041ea14">
  Connect the COLA Cloud plugin from the ChatGPT Plugin Directory.
</Card>

ChatGPT connects through COLA Cloud OAuth. You do not paste a COLA Cloud API key
into ChatGPT.

The public ChatGPT app is a read-only connector for searching COLA records,
retrieving COLA details, searching permittees, retrieving permittee details,
checking TTB processing times, and viewing plan/usage context.

<Note>
  OpenAI automatically converted existing published apps into plugins in July
  2026\. Existing authentication remains valid. The link above is the current
  COLA Cloud Plugin Directory listing; its `/apps/` URL remains the published
  direct link.
</Note>

## Prerequisites

* A ChatGPT account with access to apps
* A COLA Cloud account at [app.colacloud.us](https://app.colacloud.us)
* Permission from your ChatGPT workspace owner/admin if your workspace restricts apps

Business, Enterprise, and Edu workspaces may apply workspace-level app controls.
If the app is disabled by your admin, ask your workspace owner/admin to enable
COLA Cloud from ChatGPT workspace settings.

## Connect in ChatGPT

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the app listing">
    Open the [COLA Cloud ChatGPT plugin](https://chatgpt.com/apps/cola-cloud/asdk_app_6a1a5221c3c8819193bf4a7a9041ea14).

    You can also open ChatGPT, go to **Settings > Apps**, and search for
    **COLA Cloud**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect COLA Cloud">
    Select **Connect** from the app listing.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign in to COLA Cloud">
    Complete the COLA Cloud OAuth sign-in and approve the requested read-only
    access.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Use the app in a chat">
    Start a chat and select COLA Cloud from ChatGPT's app picker, or mention
    **@COLA Cloud** in your prompt when apps are available in the composer.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Available Actions

The public ChatGPT app exposes these read-only actions:

| Action                 | What it does                                                                                                          |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `search_colas`         | Search COLA approvals by text, brand, applicant, permit number, category, origin, approval date, and related filters. |
| `get_cola`             | Retrieve details for a specific COLA record.                                                                          |
| `search_permittees`    | Search TTB permittees by company name, state, permit number, and active status.                                       |
| `get_permittee`        | Retrieve details and recent COLA activity for a specific permittee.                                                   |
| `get_processing_times` | Check current TTB label approval processing-time metadata.                                                            |
| `get_plan`             | Check your COLA Cloud plan and usage status.                                                                          |

The ChatGPT app does not create saved searches, manage billing, or modify TTB
records. Use the COLA Cloud web app for saved-search alerts and account
management.

## What to Select in Chats

Be explicit when you want ChatGPT to use COLA Cloud instead of built-in web
search or another app.

Useful prompts:

* "Use COLA Cloud, not web search, to find bourbon approvals from Kentucky in 2025."
* "Search COLA Cloud for recent California wine approvals and fetch two record details."
* "Use COLA Cloud to find active New York permittees matching import."
* "Check my COLA Cloud plan and usage before running a broad search."

## Direct MCP Clients

Claude Code, Cursor, and other MCP clients that support custom HTTP headers can
connect directly to the same hosted MCP endpoint with a COLA Cloud API key:

```text theme={null}
https://mcp.colacloud.us/mcp
```

See [MCP / AI Assistants](/sdks/mcp) for direct-client setup.

## Troubleshooting

| Symptom                                                             | What to check                                                                                                                                                            |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| The direct link does not open the app                               | Sign in to ChatGPT, then search for **COLA Cloud** under **Settings > Apps**.                                                                                            |
| The Connect button is disabled                                      | Your plan, region, or workspace app policy may block the app. Ask your workspace admin if you use Business, Enterprise, or Edu.                                          |
| OAuth succeeds but tool calls fail with `oauth_connection_required` | The OAuth connection is not linked to an active COLA Cloud account. Contact [help@colacloud.us](mailto:help@colacloud.us).                                               |
| ChatGPT does not call COLA Cloud                                    | Select the app in the chat composer or explicitly mention **@COLA Cloud** in your prompt.                                                                                |
| ChatGPT asks for developer-mode MCP or OAuth client settings        | Use the published COLA Cloud app listing instead. Developer-mode setup is for building or testing your own ChatGPT app, not for connecting the published COLA Cloud app. |
| A direct MCP client asks for OAuth                                  | Confirm you are not using ChatGPT setup instructions. Direct clients should send `Authorization: Bearer ${COLA_API_KEY}` as shown in [MCP / AI Assistants](/sdks/mcp).   |
| A request needs a saved search or billing change                    | Use the COLA Cloud web app. The public ChatGPT app is read-only.                                                                                                         |